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VAW-120

U.S. Navy•33 members

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About this Unit

VAW-120

U.S. Navy

VAW-120, known as the "Greyhawks," is a United States Navy Fleet Replacement Squadron established in 1961. Originally formed as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWELVE (VAW-12), it was redesignated VAW-120 in 1967. The unit’s primary mission is to train aircrew and maintenance personnel for the Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft. VAW-120 has played a vital role in preparing carrier airborne early warning and logistics support crews, ensuring operational readiness for deployments worldwide.

About VAW-120

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120), known as the "Greyhawks," was established on July 1, 1961, at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia.
Role as a Fleet Replacement Squadron: VAW-120 serves as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft, training pilots, naval flight officers, and enlisted aircrew.
Aircraft Evolution: The squadron has operated every variant of the E-2 Hawkeye since its inception, starting with the E-2A, and continuing through the E-2B, E-2C, and currently the advanced E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Transition to the E-2D: In 2014, VAW-120 became the first squadron to receive and train with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, featuring advanced radar and avionics.
C-2 Greyhound Training Mission: In addition to the E-2, VAW-120 also served as the training squadron for the C-2 Greyhound, the Navy’s primary carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft.
Integration of Female Aviators: The squadron has trained several of the Navy’s first female E-2 and C-2 pilots and naval flight officers after the combat aviation ban was lifted in the 1990s.
International Training: VAW-120 has trained aircrew from allied navies, including the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, which also operates the E-2 Hawkeye.
Safety Record: The squadron has achieved multiple safety milestones, earning several Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Safety Awards for accident-free flight hours.
Callsign "Greyhawks": The VAW-120 "Greyhawks" are recognized for their distinctive insignia featuring a grey hawk in flight with radar beams, reflecting their early warning mission.
Historic Flyoff: In 2021, VAW-120 conducted the last ever Fleet Replacement Squadron flight for the C-2 Greyhound, marking the transition to the new CMV-22B Osprey for COD missions.

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VAW-120

U.S. Navy•33 members

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About this Unit

VAW-120

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Nyte OTTO

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1988 - 1990

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Wayne Sharer

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1982 - 1983

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Levola Byrd

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1982 - 1983

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Ryan Pelkey

U.S. Navy · 2001 - 2009

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VAW-120

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120), known as the "Greyhawks," was established on July 1, 1961, at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia.
Role as a Fleet Replacement Squadron: VAW-120 serves as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft, training pilots, naval flight officers, and enlisted aircrew.
Aircraft Evolution: The squadron has operated every variant of the E-2 Hawkeye since its inception, starting with the E-2A, and continuing through the E-2B, E-2C, and currently the advanced E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Transition to the E-2D: In 2014, VAW-120 became the first squadron to receive and train with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, featuring advanced radar and avionics.
C-2 Greyhound Training Mission: In addition to the E-2, VAW-120 also served as the training squadron for the C-2 Greyhound, the Navy’s primary carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft.
Integration of Female Aviators: The squadron has trained several of the Navy’s first female E-2 and C-2 pilots and naval flight officers after the combat aviation ban was lifted in the 1990s.
International Training: VAW-120 has trained aircrew from allied navies, including the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, which also operates the E-2 Hawkeye.
Safety Record: The squadron has achieved multiple safety milestones, earning several Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Safety Awards for accident-free flight hours.
Callsign "Greyhawks": The VAW-120 "Greyhawks" are recognized for their distinctive insignia featuring a grey hawk in flight with radar beams, reflecting their early warning mission.
Historic Flyoff: In 2021, VAW-120 conducted the last ever Fleet Replacement Squadron flight for the C-2 Greyhound, marking the transition to the new CMV-22B Osprey for COD missions.